Fifty years ago, half a million people descended on Max Yasgur’s farm in New York State, for a rock concert that would define an era.
This past weekend marked the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock, and to celebrate, The Bradford Barn entertainment venue on the 9th Line of BWG held a Woodstock Party.
Not that the owners have any direct experience of the iconic music event. “It was before my time,” said Bradford Barn owner Jim Johannessen, “but I’ve heard about it.”
There were touches of the ‘60s in the decorations in the Barn, and the bands on stage included Ninth Line, house band Stable Polarity, and Green River Revival, a Credence Clearwater Revival tribute band. CCR played Woodstock, and helped shape a generation.
Music lovers of all ages came out for the evening, but most weren’t old enough to have attended the original event.
“My best friend went when he was 8,” said Jim Toye. “He went with his mom and dad in their VW bus. He still remembers it.”
“My mom wouldn’t let me,” said another guest.
“I saw the movie,” said Jean Keffer.
All came out, not to recreate an experience, but just to enjoy an evening of music.
Jenn Johannessen explained that she and husband Jim opened the Bradford Barn largely to support the local music scene.
“My husband is a huge supporter of live music,” she said. He wanted to create a venue for local bands, “where they can actually get paid fairly,” she added.
The Bradford Barn offers a “plug and play” stage facility for bands, with “all top notch” sound and lighting systems. Usually only a quick sound check is all that is needed, and a band is ready to go.
Johannessen said that the bands on Aug.16 were honouring the Woodstock theme, and would play music from the era. “Stable Polarity is our house band, that performs at all our weddings. The first half of their set will be all Woodstock-y.”
She is already planning for the next big musical event at the venue: a concert with Canadian country singer and songwriter, Jason McCoy on Sept. 27, to raise money for the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Tickets are $55 each, and after paying for the headliner, “100 percent of the proceeds” will be donated to the SPCA, she said.
“Our caterers, Cibo Special Event Catering out of Aurora, are donating all the food and their staff,” and the Bradford Barn’s staff are volunteering their time, she explained.
The choice of charity has a special meaning for Johannessen. “I’m an animal lover,” she said. “We have four dogs – three Chihuahuas and an American bulldog. It’s just a charity that talks to my heart.”
And if the concert is a success, she said, it could become an annual event at the Barn.
For more information on the Bradford Barn as a venue, or upcoming concerts, see www.thebradfordbarn.com, or TheBradfordBarn on Facebook.com.
